Your dog deserves to look the part — but finding a dog bow tie that actually stays on, fits comfortably, and looks sharp is harder than it sounds. Cheap clip-ons spin sideways within minutes. Ill-fitting collars pull and chafe. Most owners end up settling for something that photographs badly and frustrates the dog. This guide tells you exactly what to look for in a dog bow tie, how to fit one correctly, and which styles suit every occasion — from a weekday walk to a wedding.
What Is a Dog Bow Tie and How Does It Attach?
A dog bow tie is a decorative accessory that attaches directly to your dog’s existing collar. It does not replace the collar — the collar stays on for safety and lead attachment.
Most well-made bow ties for dogs use an elastic loop stitched to the back of the bow. The loop slides over the collar strap and holds the bow centred at the front of the neck. This keeps it secure through running, sniffing, and all the usual chaos of a walk.
A high-quality handmade dog bow tie uses premium fabric — think Harris Tweed, Scottish tartan, or structured cotton — so it holds its shape rather than flopping flat. Cheap bow ties use thin fabric that creases and loses definition after one outing.
How to Choose the Right Dog Bow Tie
Size and proportion
The bow tie should be in proportion to your dog’s neck and head size. A bow that is too large looks absurd on a Chihuahua; one that is too small disappears on a Great Dane.
A general guide:
- Small breeds (Chihuahua, Miniature Dachshund, Toy Poodle) — bow width of approximately 6–8 cm
- Medium breeds (Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Beagle) — bow width of approximately 9–11 cm
- Large breeds (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Border Collie) — bow width of approximately 12–14 cm
Check the product listing for stated dimensions before buying. Our handmade bow ties for dogs come in sizes to fit all breeds — each listing states the recommended collar width range.
Fabric quality
The fabric determines whether a bow tie looks polished or limp. Structured woven fabrics — Harris Tweed, tartan wool, cotton canvas — hold a crisp bow shape even after hours of wear. Thin polyester collapses.
Harris Tweed is a standout choice for UK dogs. It is a dense, hand-woven wool fabric from the Outer Hebrides, and it maintains a defined bow shape naturally. Pair it with one of our Harris Tweed dog collars for a fully coordinated look.
Scottish tartan carries the same structured quality. Our Scottish Tartan dog collars are made to match our tartan bow ties — so your dog’s accessories work together as a set.
Attachment method
Elastic loop attachment is the most reliable. It keeps the bow centred without any risk of pinching the neck. Check that the elastic is stitched firmly — not glued — to the fabric backing.
Avoid bow ties with rigid metal clips that fasten around the collar. These can scratch the neck, shift constantly, and are difficult to remove quickly if needed.
Our Pick of the Best Small Blue Check Harris Tweed Dog Bow Tie
Handmade Luxury for Stylish Dogs
Product Details
RRP: £5.99
Material: Authentic Harris Tweed with cotton backing
Size: 4.5″ x 3″
Attachment: Elastic loop
Care: Hand wash only
Handmade in the UK
Small Cream and Brown Herringbone Harris Tweed Dog Bow Tie
Perfect for Weddings & Special Occasions
Product Details
RRP: £5.99
Material: Genuine Harris Tweed with cotton backing
Pattern: Cream and Brown Herringbone
Size: 4.5″ x 3″ (Small)
Attachment: Elastic collar loop
Care: Hand wash only
Handmade in the UK
Small Purple Harris Tweed Dog Bow Tie
Perfect For – Wedding dog outfits, Luxury dog accessories lovers, Small breeds & puppies, Stylish everyday walks
Product Details
RRP: £5.99
Material: Authentic Harris Tweed with cotton backing
Colour: Purple Tweed
Size: 4.5″ x 3″
Attachment: Elastic loop
Care: Hand wash only
Bow Tie Dog Collars vs Clip-On Dog Bow Ties
You have two main options when dressing your dog: a bow tie dog collar (where the bow is built into the collar itself) or a separate bow tie that clips onto an existing collar.
Bow tie collar — The bow is sewn directly onto the collar strap. The advantage is that bow and collar always sit perfectly aligned. Browse our dog collar sets with bows for this style.
Clip-on bow tie — A standalone bow with an elastic loop that slides onto any collar your dog already wears. More flexible, since you can swap the bow for different occasions without changing the whole collar.
If your dog wears a harness on walks, a clip-on bow tie is the more practical choice. It attaches to the collar underneath the harness, or to a lighter flat collar worn separately for photos and events.
Dog Bow Ties for Every Occasion
Dog bow ties for weddings
Weddings are the most popular occasion for dog bow ties, and the demand for a “ring bearer dog” or “dog of honour” look has grown significantly. For a wedding, choose a bow tie that matches the groom’s or groomsmen’s colour scheme.
Classic white, ivory, navy, and forest green are the wedding staples. Harris Tweed and tartan work beautifully for Scottish and outdoor ceremonies.
Pair the bow tie with a matching dog collar and harness so your dog looks cohesive from every angle — important for wedding photography.
Holiday and seasonal bow ties
Christmas, Halloween, and birthday events all call for a more playful dog bow tie. Festive plaids, seasonal prints, and bright colours work well here. These occasions also benefit from a clip-on design, so you can swap from a Christmas bow to an everyday collar without buying a new set.
Everyday wear
A well-made bow tie for daily walks does not need to be reserved for special occasions. A subtle tartan or a classic check in neutral tones works for the park, the pub, or the pet café. The key is a fabric that washes and retains its structure.
How to Put a Bow Tie on Your Dog
Putting a dog bow tie on takes under 30 seconds once you have done it once.
- Thread your dog’s collar through the elastic loop on the back of the bow tie before fastening the collar around the neck. This is easier than trying to slide it onto a collar already buckled.
- Fasten the collar as normal.
- Slide the bow tie along the collar until it sits centred at the front of the neck, just below the chin.
- Check that the elastic is flat against the collar, not twisted or bunched.
The bow should sit straight without you having to hold it in place. If it keeps rotating, the elastic may be too loose — this is a sign of poor construction. A well-made bow tie holds its position.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Bow Tie
The correct bow tie size depends on your dog’s collar size, not just their weight or breed.
Measure the circumference of your dog’s neck at its widest point, holding the tape measure snugly but not tight. Add 2–3 cm to that measurement to get the recommended collar width range. The bow tie’s elastic loop should correspond to that collar width.
| Breed size | Typical neck circumference | Collar width | Bow tie size |
| Small | 20–30 cm | 1.5–2 cm | Small (6–8 cm bow width) |
| Medium | 30–45 cm | 2–2.5 cm | Medium (9–11 cm bow width) |
| Large | 45–60 cm | 2.5–3.5 cm | Large (12–14 cm bow width) |
If your dog is between sizes, always size up. A slightly larger bow looks more natural than one that is too small and pinched.
Are Dog Bow Ties Safe?
Dog bow ties are safe when fitted correctly. The key safety points are:
Never replace the collar with a bow tie. The bow tie is an accessory only — your dog’s safety collar with ID tag must stay on underneath.
Check the elastic regularly. If the elastic loop becomes frayed or overstretched, replace the bow tie. A broken loop can become a choke hazard if the bow slides forward around the neck.
Remove for unsupervised time. Take the bow tie off when your dog is alone, sleeping, or playing in situations where it might catch on something.
Avoid anything with small embellishments — buttons, beads, or glued-on ornaments — that a dog could chew off and swallow. All bow ties from Happy Dogs Togs use fabric-only construction with no detachable parts.
According to the PDSA’s dog care guidelines, pet accessories should never restrict movement, breathing, or blood circulation. A correctly sized bow tie attached to a correctly fitted collar meets this standard easily.
Why Handmade Dog Bow Ties Are Worth It
Mass-produced pet bow ties use thin synthetic fabrics, minimal stitching, and weak elastics that fail quickly. A handmade bow tie uses heavier fabric, double-stitched construction, and reinforced elastic that holds up through wash after wash.
At Happy Dogs Togs, every bow tie is made by hand in the UK using premium fabrics — the same Harris Tweed and Scottish tartan that go into our collars and accessories. The result is a bow that holds its shape, keeps its colour, and remains centred on the collar rather than spinning sideways after five minutes.
The American Kennel Club’s dog accessory care guide recommends choosing pet accessories that are built from pet-safe, durable materials with no risk of shedding fibres or small parts. Woven wool and structured cotton meet this standard far better than thin polyester alternatives.
Pair Your Dog Bow Tie with the Right Collar
A bow tie looks its best when the collar underneath is equally well-made. Mismatched fabric and construction quality shows immediately in photographs.
These collar options from Happy Dogs Togs work perfectly with our bow ties:
- Harris Tweed Dog Collars — Matching tweed fabric for a fully coordinated look.
- Scottish Tartan Dog Collars — Available in clan tartans to match tartan bow ties.
- Dog Collar Sets with Bows — Collar and bow tie sold as a matched set — the easiest option for a perfect pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog bow tie?
A dog bow tie is a fabric bow that attaches to a dog’s collar via an elastic loop. It is a decorative accessory designed to sit at the front of the neck, adding a smart or formal touch to your dog’s appearance. It does not replace a standard collar.
How does a bow tie attach to a dog collar?
The bow tie slides onto the collar through an elastic loop sewn to the back of the bow. You thread the collar through the loop before fastening it, then slide the bow to the centre front of the neck.
What size dog bow tie do I need?
Measure your dog’s neck circumference and match it to the collar width range listed on each product. Small breeds suit a 6–8 cm bow width; medium breeds 9–11 cm; large breeds 12–14 cm.
Are dog bow ties safe for dogs?
Yes, when used as an accessory on top of a correctly fitted collar. Never use a bow tie as the sole neck item. Remove it when your dog is unsupervised, sleeping, or playing roughly.
Can I wash a dog bow tie?
Most fabric dog bow ties can be hand-washed in cool water with mild detergent and air-dried flat to maintain their shape. Check the specific care label on your bow tie. Harris Tweed should be spot-cleaned or professionally cleaned to preserve the wool fibres.
How do I keep a dog bow tie from spinning?
Choose a bow tie with a correctly sized elastic loop for your collar width. If the loop is too large for the collar, the bow will rotate freely. Well-made bow ties use elastic specifically matched to standard collar widths.
What is a bow tie dog collar?
A bow tie dog collar is a collar with the bow tie built directly into the collar strap as a single piece. This keeps the bow permanently centred and eliminates any risk of rotation. Browse our dog collar sets with bows for this style.
